MilesTalk: "In October 2022, they overhauled the referral program and stated you could earn up to 2,025,000 points (requiring 450 successful referrals)."
"Apparently, however, they changed the program again in February of 2024 – now limiting each account holder to 50 lifetime referrals maximum. So if you had been referring 20 people a year since they launched, you’re done forever."
Oman Air
Oman Air is set to join the oneworld alliance by the end of 2024. While Oman first mentioned its plans to join oneworld in 2021, it's nice to see it coming together.
If they open up business and first class award space to partners, that would make this even more exciting. I'll be curious to see what happens to their Aeroplan partnership. Of course, Aeroplan hasn't had access to business and first class award space for a while.
Fiji Airways
While Fiji Airways is currently a oneworld Connect member, they're planning to become a full oneworld member in the next 12 months. This will mean more oneworld partners will have reciprocal benefits with Fiji Airways.
Loyalty Lobby flagged that Emirates Skywards is reducing the award rates of economy and premium economy award tickets. You can find economy award rates that are up to 55% cheaper than previous rates.
Points Wire Note:
Call me when they reduce their egregious business and first class award rates to (and via) Dubai. :)
Avianca LifeMiles is running a bonus promo on transfers from American Express Membership Rewards. You can get a 15% bonus on the points you transfer from Amex to LifeMiles through June 30, 2024. Please note that this transfer bonus promo is run by LifeMiles, not Amex, so you won't see it mentioned on your Membership Rewards account.
Points Wire Note: LifeMiles are a great way to book business class award tickets to Europe on Star Alliance carriers.
With a new round of targeted Amex Offers, you can get cash back on Marriott stays. Personally, I received an offer for 40% back as a statement credit up to $100 cash back. That means I can get 40% back when spending up to $250 at select Marriott properties. Other versions of this Amex Offer include:
Important Terms
Points Wire Note:
These offers will pair nicely with Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous bookings which offer additional benefits such as daily breakfast for 2, room upgrade if available, welcome amenity, and early check-in/late checkout if available. Marriott STARS includes a $100 property credit as well. Very few Marriott Luminous properties include a $100 property credit.
Doctor of Credit is reporting that Capital One Shopping has brought back their refer-a-friend program. Only selected accounts have the ability to refer at this time.
By using a referral, you and the person who referred you can earn $40 in cash back which can be cashed out for select merchant gift cards.
The steps to earn the $40 sign-up bonus:
For those with a referral link to the $40 sign-up bonus, please keep in mind that here's a cap of $500 in cash back for referrals.
You can find more details about their referral program here.
Danny the Deal Guru: "Southwest also offers paid options for those that want to board as early as possible. There’s EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding. Now the maximum price that you might pay for these features has gone up."
View From The Wing: "At the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference this morning, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom declared that the carrier’s plan to eliminate mileage-earning from some travel agency tickets is off. It was too confusing. They still care about moving to NDC (new distribution capability), which mileage-earning on agency tickets was a lever to push agencies to adopt, but it is something that will happen 'over time.'"
One Mile At A Time: "Qatar Airways intends to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi, making this the largest airline in the world to collaborate with SpaceX on Wi-Fi. Not only will Starlink offer speeds of up to 500 megabits per second for gaming, VPN access, sports streaming, and more, but Qatar Airways intends to offer this Wi-Fi on a complimentary basis, with one-click access."
Update: Hearing that the 75,000-mile offer may end in a week.
If you're looking to give your American miles balance a boost, the sign-up bonus for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite was just increased. Here's what you need to know.
Sign-up Bonus
Bonus Categories
Other Benefits
Annual Fee
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